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State Railway of Thailand Pushes to Lift Alcohol Ban on Trains: A Controversial Move to Boost Tourism

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The enchanting dance of regulatory proposals and public opinion is at it again, with the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) meticulously orchestrating its next move. The stage is set for a riveting showdown as SRT gears up to propose the resurgence of alcohol sales on trains at the upcoming Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee meeting, according to a well-placed source. In an unexpected plot twist during the last meeting, the Public Health Ministry’s committee took the dramatic step of declining a similar request, citing potential pitfalls that overshadow potential benefits.

Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, who plays the role of committee chair, eloquently stated the decision not to embrace the proposal was anchored in a recent study. The analysis paints a picture of potential perils overshadowing any perceived advantages. Undeterred and brimming with determination, the SRT is set to reintroduce the proposal in an impassioned plea this Friday. The SRT, like a scriptwriter seeking a climactic finale, aims to lobby for exemption lifting, particularly to galvanize local tourism with tourist train services being the main characters in this unfolding drama.

“The SRT will ask the committee to consider making exemptions for the ban … in train stations or on trains to promote local tourism, particularly for tourist train services,” the well-informed source disclosed like a well-timed plot revelation in a suspenseful thriller.

In this gripping tale, Dr. Udomsak Sae-Ngow, a distinguished researcher at the Centre of Alcohol Studies (CAS), offers a critical subplot. A previous opinion poll weaves its narrative into the broader tapestry, revealing that the majority did not support the idea of lifting the alcohol ban on trains. Conducted last year with 3,055 respondents across 25 train stations, the survey showed that 80% of occasional drinkers and 67% of regular drinkers were not in favor of the proposal. The poll painted vivid imagery of travel perils, public annoyance, and the haunting specter of sexual harassment.

The chilling memory of a 2017 tragedy—an incident involving the rape and murder of a young passenger—casts a long shadow, evoked by 86% of those surveyed. It is this tragic event that served as the catalyst for the current ban, like the opening scene of a cautionary tale.

Interwoven into the narrative is Thirapat Khahawong, the vigilant coordinator of a network diligently working to counteract alcohol’s societal blemishes. In a rousing address, he implores the committee to prioritize the public’s health, above the alluring but often deceptive sheen of industry profit. His words ring with a sense of duty, casting aspersions on the government’s reliance on alcohol as an economic stimulus, despite its polarizing societal effects.

In another intriguing twist, a coalition of advocates from the hospitality sector passionately petitioned last week for the abolition of the antiquated 2-5pm alcohol sales ban. First enacted in 1972 to deter inebriation among civil servants, the advocates argue that this relic of a bygone era has overstayed its welcome, like an outdated costume in a modern drama.

As the curtain rises on the forthcoming committee meeting, the air is thick with anticipation. Will the SRT’s proposal usher in a rejuvenation of spirited journeys through Thailand’s lush landscapes? Or will it be met with a chorus of dissent from a concerned public? Only time will reveal how this riveting narrative unfolds.

29 Comments

  1. Alan W February 17, 2025

    I’m all for the idea! Allowing alcohol on trains could really boost tourism and make travel more fun. Why should people be denied a drink?

    • Carrie Thompson February 17, 2025

      Really? Sounds like a recipe for chaos. I can’t even imagine the noise and disorder!

      • Alan W February 17, 2025

        Drink responsibly and it’s fine. The real issue is improving security measures, not banning alcohol altogether.

      • JoeLovesTrains February 17, 2025

        Security and alcohol don’t mix well. There’s always someone ruining it for everyone else.

    • Sophia89 February 17, 2025

      Alan W, the problem isn’t the drink itself. It’s the behavior that follows. Remember that tragic incident in 2017?

  2. Marcus P February 17, 2025

    I think safety should come first. We’ve already seen how alcohol can lead to horrifying incidents.

    • Jen_G February 17, 2025

      But isn’t this just a scare tactic? Can’t we have sensible consumption?

    • Rita L February 17, 2025

      Marcus P is right. Alcohol can easily lead to harassment and altercations. Public transport should be safe for everyone.

  3. TravellingTiger February 17, 2025

    If people can drink responsibly on planes, why not on trains?

    • DocFred February 17, 2025

      Planes have stricter security and far fewer passengers, Tiger. It’s an entirely different environment.

  4. Eva33 February 17, 2025

    Does anyone really believe dropping the alcohol ban will boost tourism that much?

  5. ThirstyTraveler February 17, 2025

    I’m all for lifting the ban. It’s a little pleasure while enjoying the scenic routes.

    • Laura February 17, 2025

      But don’t you think we should prioritize everyone’s comfort over a ‘little pleasure’?

  6. Kevin February 17, 2025

    Alcohol sales at train stations and on trains just seems like a bad idea overall.

    • Mia February 17, 2025

      Agreed, Kevin! People can’t even handle alcohol responsibly at bars sometimes.

  7. Larry B February 17, 2025

    Thailand’s tourism needs all the boosts it can get. Why not give this a try?

    • MikeS February 17, 2025

      Larry B, are you suggesting economic benefits should outweigh public safety concerns?

    • Larry B February 17, 2025

      Not at all, MikeS. But we can have both economic growth and safety with proper regulation.

  8. Alex_The_Great February 17, 2025

    I’m so torn on this issue. It sounds nice, but it could end badly.

    • Sammy February 17, 2025

      Just wait and see, Alex. There’s no way to know until we try.

  9. Chloe B February 17, 2025

    I think the train journeys are charming without alcohol. Keep them clean and family-friendly.

    • Joey February 17, 2025

      Chloe B, that’s a fair point. Not every space needs alcohol to be enjoyable.

  10. Debbie February 17, 2025

    Alcohol ban or not, I hope they improve security measures for a safer travel experience.

    • Tommy February 18, 2025

      Debbie, that’s the real issue here. Everyone’s focused on the alcohol, but security is key.

  11. Nathan K February 18, 2025

    People forget the 2017 incident too quickly. We don’t need another tragedy.

    • FrequentFlyer February 18, 2025

      Nathan, revisiting past tragedies helps prevent new ones. We must prioritize safety over sales.

  12. MontyPythonFan February 18, 2025

    Remember every regulation we add is like a new character in a novel. We need to balance the story.

  13. Tanya February 18, 2025

    Funny how the government’s always after alcohol revenue when there are plenty of other ways to boost tourism.

    • Greg February 18, 2025

      Tanya, you hit the nail on the head. Diversifying tourism shouldn’t hinge on selling booze.

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